Betty A Compton

VIRGINIA BEACH – Betty Alexander Compton, 87, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, February 9th 2011, surrounded by her loving family and faithful nurse for the past three years, Ms. Rachel Kazadi Subayi.

She was born in Chattanooga, Tn., and married the love of her life John V. Compton who served in the U.S Navy during World War II. She loved her God, her Country, Christmas and giving. She was a member of Thalia United Methodist Church, worked with the Methodist Youth Fellowship, and was dedicated to Christian youth activities. She formerly served as the Superintendent of youth activities at Christ United Methodist Church, Norfolk, Virginia, along with her husband John. Together they helped to guide countless young people and had personal impact on almost three generations. Her Motto for teaching the youth, as well as for her personal life, was JOY … Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last. In high school she was active in her marching band and later, as a devout wife, mother, and homemaker, she volunteered as a Girl Scout leader, participating in many scouting activities. She was married to John for fifty-seven years and, after his death in 2001, moved to Northern Virginia to live with her daughter and her family. There, she became an active member of the Sully Senior Center in Chantilly, Va. where she made many friends and touched many lives with her generosity and caring personality. She was also a life time member of The Eastern Star, Westminster Chapter No. 99-OES. Mrs. Compton is survived by her devoted daughter Betty C. Simmons, her daughter’s husband Wallace R. Simmons Jr., and their children Brittany Simmons and Jonathan Simmons, all of Chantilly, Va., as well as close friends and good neighbors both in Virginia Beach and Chantilly. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the chapel of Woodlawn Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. 'The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday, 18 February, from 6 to 8 p.m. In honor of Betty’s generous and giving nature, the family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Red Cross, the ASPCA, or a charity of one's choice. Betty loved the Christmas holidays … she believed in giving and spreading joy, in celebrating and honoring the season; she had unwavering faith and was a true believer. “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all year.” Charles Dickens